The Vanuatu Ministry of Health (MoH) through the national diseases surveillance system has confirmed a case of typhoid fever on Efate.
As of 3 September 2019, one case of typhoid has been confirmed by laboratory testing of a seven-year-old child of North Efate.
According to the ministry, the surveillance team conducted an investigation and preliminary findings indicate the patient was infected through poor hygiene and unsafe/unhealthy environment.
The ministry says no other cases have been detected after an investigation.
The public has been reminded to practice safe hygiene and use clean and safe
Typhoid fever is a serious illness, it can lead to death in up to 20% of patients if it is not treated with antibiotics.
The incubation period of typhoid is usually 8-15 days.
Symptoms of typhoid fever may vary from mild illness with low fever and feeling bad, to a severe illness with continuous fever, diarrhea or constipation, anorexia with severe headache.
The infection is often passed on through contaminated food and drinking water, and it is more prevalent in places where hand washing is less frequent.
Food handlers who are typhoid carriers pose a major risk.
The ministry says anyone showing symptoms of typhoid should seek medical assistance from the nearest clinic.
Photo supplied Caption: Hand washing is important to prevent spread of typhoid fever